Binding of nontarget microorganisms from food washes to anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella</Emphasis> and anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">E. coli</Emphasis> O157 immunomagnetic beads: minimizing the errors of random sampling in extreme dilute systems

For most applications, 3–5 observations, or samplings (n), are utilized to estimate total aerobic plate count in an average population (μ) that is greater than about 50 cells, or colony forming units (CFU), per sampled volume. We have chosen to utilize a 6 × 6 drop plate method for bacterial colony selection because it offers the means to rapidly perform all requisite dilutions in a 96-well format and plate these dilutions on solid media using minimal materials. Besides traditional quantitative purposes, we also need to select colonies which are well-separated from each other for the purpose of bacterial identification. To achieve this goal using the drop plate format requires the utilization of very dilute solutions (μ < 10 CFUs per sampled drop). At such low CFU densities the sampling error becomes problematic. To address this issue we produced both observed and computer-generated colony count data and divided a large sample of individual counts randomly into N subsamples each with n = 2–24 observations (N × n = 360). From these data we calculated the average total mean-normalized (, n = 360) deviation of the total standard deviation (s _tot) from each jth subsample’s estimate (s _j ), which we call Δ. When either observed or computer-generated Δ values were analyzed as a function of , a set of relationships () were generated which appeared to converge at an n of about 18 observations. This finding was verified analytically at even lower CFU concentrations (). Additional experiments using the drop plate format and n = 18 samplings were performed on food samples along with most probable number (MPN) analyses and it was found that the two enumeration methods did not differ significantly. Any reference to a particular brand or company name does not constitute an endorsement of it by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other similar brands or companies that are not mentioned.     

Synthesis and magneto-structural correlation of a new maleato bridged copper(II) coordination polymer

A one-dimensional (1-D) copper(II) coordination polymer [Cu(maleate)(2,2′-bipyridyl)] _n ·2H₂O has been synthesised. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that maleate ion bridges two adjacent copper(II) centres along the chain in a syn–anti fashion. A complete cryomagnetic investigation of the title complex correlates well with the distorted square pyramidal geometry of the central copper(II) ion and bridging nature of the maleate. A τ value of 0.26 indicates the distortion towards tbp coordination allowing the magnetic orbital to acquire some character leading to a weak antiferromagnetic interaction having J = −0.26 cm⁻¹. The complex has also been firmly established from several other instrumental techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and EPR spectroscopies.     

On the largest eigenvalues of trees with perfect matchings

Let λ₁ (G) and Δ (G), respectively, denote the largest eigenvalue and the maximum degree of a graph G. Let be the set of trees with perfect matchings on 2m vertices, and . Among the trees in , we characterize the tree which alone minimizes the largest eigenvalue, as well as the tree which alone maximizes the largest eigenvalue when . Furthermore, it is proved that, for two trees T ₁ and T ₂ in (m≥ 4), if and Δ (T ₁) > Δ (T ₂), then λ₁ (T ₁) > λ₁ (T ₂).     

Supramolecular amide and thioamide synthons in hydrogen bonding patterns of N-aryl-furamides and N-aryl-thiofuramides

The supramolecular synthon of amide group in the primary and secondary amides is well recognized to be infinite chains of the C(4) type formed by the intermolecular hydrogen bond of the type N–HO=C. On the other hand, there is a lack of structural data for the thioamides. Three compounds belonging to the class of N-aryl-fura-mides (N-(4-bromophenyl)-5-bromo-2-furancarboxamide, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-bromo-2-furancarboxamide) and to the class of N-aryl-thiofuramide (N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-furanthiocarboxamide) are prepared and characterized by the NMR spectroscopy in solution; molecular and crystal structures in the solid state have been determined by X-ray single crystal diffractometry and the structures in the gas phase by DFT and AM1 calculations. The investigation is carried out in order to establish supramolecular amide and thioamide synthons of hydrogen bonding patterns in these crystal structures. The geometry of the N–HO=C and the N–HS=C type of hydrogen bonds are compared due to the possibility of the N–H amide group to form intramolecular hydrogen bond with the furan oxygen atom, thus, commonly, leading to the three-center hydrogen bond pattern. The competition between the S=C proton acceptor of thioamides and the other proton acceptors (such as methoxy group) for the amide N–H proton donor group has been investigated. In that context, the above-mentioned compounds are correlated with the others of this class, structurally determined, so far.     

Binuclear cobalt(II/II) and cobalt(II/III) chelates with O<Subscript>2</Subscript>N<Subscript>2</Subscript> ligands: synthesis,structure and magnetic studies

Abstract  The title complexes and have been synthesized in excellent yields by reacting Co(OAc)₂·4H₂O with H₂L¹ and H₂L², respectively, in acetonitrile solution. Here, [L¹]²⁻ and [L²]²⁻ are the deprotonated forms of N,N-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N′,N′-dimethylethylenediamine and N,N-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2-picolylamine, respectively. The crystal structures of and were determined by x-ray crystallography. In , each cobalt atom has distorted trigonal bipyramid geometry, while in , each cobalt atom has distorted octahedral geometry. Variable temperature magnetic moment measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interaction in . The magnetic characterization for is in agreement with the presence of Co(II) and Co(III) centers. Graphical Abstract  The title complexes and have been synthesized in excellent yields by reacting Co(OAc)₂·4H₂O with dianionic N₂O₂ coordinating ligands. In complex 1, each cobalt atom has distorted trigonal bipyramid geometry, while in complex 2, each cobalt atom has distorted octahedral geometry. Variable temperature magnetic moment measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interaction in complex 1. The magnetic characterization for complex 2 is in agreement with the presence of Co(II) and Co(III) centers. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Behavior of (La,Sr)CoO3- and La2NiO4-based ceramic anodes in alkaline media: compositional and microstructural factors

The behavior of dense ceramic anodes made of perovskite-type (x = 0.30–0.70; y = 0–0.05; z = 0–0.20) and K₂NiF₄-type (Me = Co, Cu; x = 0–0.20) indicates significant influence of metal hydroxide formation at the electrode surface on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics in alkaline solutions. The overpotential of cobaltite electrodes was found to decrease with time, while cyclic voltammetry shows the appearance of redox peaks characteristic of Co(OH)₂/CoOOH. This is accompanied with increasing effective capacitance estimated from the impedance spectroscopy data, because of roughening of the ceramic surface. The steady-state polarization curves of in the OER range, including the Tafel slope, are very similar to those of model Co(OH)₂–La(OH)₃ composite films where the introduction of lanthanum hydroxide leads to decreasing electrochemical activity. La₂NiO₄-based anodes exhibit a low electrochemical performance and poor stability. The effects of oxygen nonstoichiometry of the perovskite-related phases are rather negligible at high overpotentials but become significant when the polarization decreases, a result of increasing role of oxygen intercalation processes. The maximum electrocatalytic activity to OER was observed for A-site-deficient , where the lanthanum content is relatively low and the Co⁴⁺ concentration determined by thermogravimetric analysis is highest compared to other cobaltites. Applying microporous layers made of template-synthesized nanocrystalline leads to an improved anode performance, although the effects of microstructure and thickness are modest, suggesting a narrow electrochemical reaction zone. Further enhancement of the OER kinetics can be achieved by electrodeposition of cobalt hydroxide- and nickel hydroxide-based films. Dedicated to Professor Dr. Yakov I. Tur’yan on the occasion of his 85th birthday.     

Hydrogen peroxide as a reductant of hexacyanoferrate(III) in alkaline solutions: kinetic studies

The kinetics of hexacyanoferrate(III) reduction by hydrogen peroxide in strongly alkaline media leading to hexacyanoferrate(II) ion have been studied spectrophotometrically within the wavelength range 300–500 nm. The reaction obeys a simple pseudo-first-order rate expression under the applied conditions, namely, a large excess of the reductant and OH⁻ anion concentrations, and a low oxidant concentration. The linear dependences of the pseudo-first-order rate constant on OH⁻ and H₂O₂ concentrations are consistent with the rate law of the form: where and are the second- and the pseudo-third-order rate constants for the electron transfer from HO₂ ⁻ and O₂ ²⁻ to [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻, respectively. The apparent activation parameters determined at 0.4 M NaOH are as follows: ΔH ^# = (18.0 ± 1.0) kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔS ^# = (−155 ± 3.5) J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹. The possible mechanism of the reaction is discussed.     

Interaction of glycine with cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants at different temperatures: a volumetric, viscometric, refractive index, conductometric, and fluorescence probe study

A number of thermodynamic parameters viz. apparent molar volumes, ϕ _v , partial molar volumes, , transfer volumes, , Falkenhagen coefficients, A, Jones–Dole coefficients, B, free energies per mole of solute, , and per mole of solvent, , molar refraction, R _D , and limiting molar conductivity, , have been calculated by using the experimentally measured densities, ρ, viscosities, η, refractive indices, n _D , and specific conductivities, κ, data of glycine (0.02–0.10 m) in 0.01 m aqueous sodium dodecyl sulphate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and triton X-100 (TX-100) solutions at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K. The above calculated parameters were found to be sensitive towards the interactions prevailing in the studied amino acid–surfactant–water systems. Moreover, fluorescence study using pyrene as a photophysical probe has also been carried out, the results of which support the conclusions obtained from other techniques.     

On the derivative of the associated Legendre function of the first kind of integer degree with respect to its order (with applications to the construction of the associated Legendre function of the second kind of integer degree and order)

The derivative of the associated Legendre function of the first kind of integer degree with respect to its order, , is studied. After deriving and investigating general formulas for μ arbitrary complex, a detailed discussion of , where m is a non-negative integer, is carried out. The results are applied to obtain several explicit expressions for the associated Legendre function of the second kind of integer degree and order, . In particular, we arrive at formulas which generalize to the case of (0 ≤ m ≤ n) the well-known Christoffel’s representation of the Legendre function of the second kind, Q _n (z). The derivatives and , all with m > n, are also evaluated.     

Molecular Structure and Conformation of p-Bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene: A Study by Gas-Phase Electron Diffraction and Theoretical Calculations

The molecular structure and conformation of p-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene have been investigated by gas-phase electron diffraction, ab initio MO calculations at the HF/6-31G*, MP2(f.c.)/6-31G*, and B3LYP/6-31G* levels, and MM3 molecular mechanics calculations. The calculations indicate the syn- and anti-coplanar conformations, with two bonds in the plane of the benzene ring, to be energy minima. The perpendicular conformations, with two bonds in a plane orthogonal to the ring plane, are transition states. The two coplanar conformers have nearly the same energy with a low interconversion barrier, 0.3–0.5 kJ mol^–1. The calculated lengths of the and bonds differ by only a few thousandths of an angstrom, in agreement with electron diffraction results from molecules containing either or bonds. The geometrical distortion of the benzene ring in p-bis(trimethylsilyl)-benzene may be described by superimposing independent distortions from each of the two SiMe₃ groups. The electron diffraction intensities from a previous study (Rozsondai, B.; Zelei, B.; Hargittai, I. J. Mol. Struct. 1982, 95, 187) have been reanalyzed, imposing constraints from the theoretical calculations, and using a model based on a 1:1 mixture of the two coplanar conformers. The effective torsion angles of the SiMe₃ groups may indicate nearly free rotation. Important geometrical parameters from the present electron diffraction analysis are , and . While the mean bond lengths are virtually the same from the previous and present analyses, the new ipso angle is in better agreement with the MO calculations [HF, 116.9° MP2(f.c.), 117.1° B3LYP, 116.9°].     

Influence of Substance on the Equilibrium Translation Rate for the Isothermal and Isobaric Chemical Reactions of Ideal gases

To increase inert substance i will make the equilibrium translation rate α _j of reactant j decrease if ∑ _i ν _i < 0 or increase if ∑ _i ν _i > 0. When or , to increase non-inert substance i will make α _j increase if i is reactant (i ≠ j) or decrease if i is resultant. When has maximum if i is reactant (i≠ j) or minimum if i is resultant. If i is reactant, (x _r ⁰ is “optimum proportion” of reactant)     

Synthesis and Magnetism of Copper(II)-lanthanide(III)-copper(II) Heterotrinuclear Complexes with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-bis [2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]oxamidocopper(II)

Nine new μ-oxamido-bridged copper(II)-lanthanide(III)-copper(II) heterotrinuclear complexes described by the overall formula Cu₂(dmoxae)₂Ln(NO₃)₃ {Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er; dmoxae = N,N′-bis[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]oxamido dianions} have been synthesized by the strategy of ‘complex as ligand’, and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements, i.r. and electronic spectral studies. The variable-temperature susceptibility (2–300 K), e.s.r. measurements, and studies of the Cu₂(dmoxae)₂Gd(NO₃)₃ complex have revealed that the central gadolinium(III) and terminal copper(II) ions are ferromagnetically coupled with the exchange integral J_(Cu-Gd) = +2.1 cm⁻¹, while an antiferromagnetic coupling is detected between the terminal copper(II) ions with J′_(Cu-Cu)=−0.36 cm⁻¹, on the basis of the spin Hamiltonian operator . A plausible mechanism for the ferromagnetic coupling between copper(II) and gadolinium(III) is discussed in terms of spin polarization.     

Molecular Structure of tert-Butylazide: A Gas-Phase Electron Diffraction and Quantum Chemical Study

The molecular structure of tert-butylazide has been determined by gas-phase electron diffraction and quantum chemical calculations. The HF/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-31G** calculations yielded near C _s symmetry for the tert-butyl group, anti conformation of the (C)N—N bond with respect to one of the bonds, and an essentially free rotation around the bond with a 0.34 kcal/mol energy difference between syn and anti conformations of the CNNN moiety, the anti being the more stable form. The electron diffraction analysis was carried out by modeling a mixture of conformational isomers, generated by rotating the terminal nitrogen of the azide group, using a computed rotational potential. The data are consistent with C _s symmetry for the tert-butyl group. The bond, however, was found to be rotated out of the anti position, with respect to one of the bonds, by 12.5(12)°. The electron diffraction analysis yielded the following bond lengths (r _g), bond angles, and torsional angles: , .     

Recent developments in Ruddlesden–Popper nickelate systems for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Motivated by recent work on the Ruddlesden–Popper material, which was shown to be a superior oxide-ion conductor than conventional solid-oxide fuel cell cathode perovskite materials, we undertook A- and B-site doping studies of the Ruddlesden–Popper nickelate series in an attempt to identify other candidates for cathode application. In this paper, we summarize our most significant results for the and systems and more recently, the higher-order Ruddlesden–Popper phases La _n+1Ni _n O_3n+1 (n=2 and 3), which show greater promise as cathode materials than the n=1 compositions.     

Temperature effect on the complex formation between tricyclic antidepressant drugs (amitriptyline or imipramine) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in water

The molecular encapsulation of two tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) drugs, amitriptyline and imipramine, by a glycosidic receptor, 6-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD), has been carried out in water solution by means of conductometric studies at different temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 45 °C. Conductivity measurements of aqueous solutions of the drug were performed: (i) in the absence of HPBCD, as a function of drug concentration; and (ii) in the presence of HPBCD, as a function of HPBCD concentration. Both drugs, amitriptyline and imipramine, form inclusion complexes characterized by a 1:1 stoichiometry and an association constant () in the range of 500–1200 M⁻¹. The ionic molar conductivities at infinite dilution of the free () and complexed () drugs have been calculated from these conductivity data as well. From the dependency of the association constant on temperature, changes on the enthalpy, ΔH ⁰, entropy, ΔS ⁰, and heat capacity at constant pressure, , have been determined. This thermodynamic information, which reveals that the complexes formed by HPBCD and the antidepressant drugs, AMYTPH⁺ and IPRH⁺, are enthalpy driven at T ≥ 25 °C but entropy driven at T < 25 °C, points to the contribution of van der Waals interactions, hydrophobic effect and solvent reorganization, as the main driven forces promoting the interaction. The analysis of these association processes was also used to elucidate the potential viability of using HPBCD as a vector of these antidepressant drugs.     

PVP superabsorbent nanogels

Monomer free hydrogel nanoparticles (nanogels) were prepared by crosslinking preformed poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) entrapped in the aqueous pool of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide reverse micelles using the Fenton reaction. The PVP nanoparticles were spherical with a dry diameter of 27 nm. The diameter of the swollen particles was ten times higher, i.e., a swelling ratio, Q, above 900, characterizing this preparation as superabsorbent. PVP nanogel swelling was dependent on bound Fe³⁺ and varied with pH and ionic strength. Nanogel deswelling by salt followed the anions lyotropic series, i.e., . The value of Q reached 6,000 in iron-free PVP nanoparticles at low pH, making this nanogel one of the most efficient swelling systems so far described.     

Mechanism of the catalyzed by cysteine electroreduction of the insoluble in water cobalt(II) salt as a component of carbon paste electrode

The mechanism of the Co(II) catalytic electroreduction of water insoluble CoR₂ salt in the presence of cysteine was developed. CoR₂ = cobalt(II) cyclohexylbutyrate is the component of a carbon paste electrode. Electrode surface consecutive reactions are: (a) fast (equilibrium) reaction of the complex formation, (b) rate-determining reversible reaction of the promoting process of CoR(Ac⁺) complex formation, (c) rate-determining irreversible reaction of the electroactive complex formation with ligand-induced adsorption, and (d) fast irreversible reaction of the electroreduction. Reactions (a,b) connected with CoR₂ dissolution and reactions (c,d) connected with CoR₂ electroreduction are catalyzed by . Regeneration of (reactions “b,d”) and accumulation of atomic Co(0) (reaction “d”) take place. Experimental data [Sugawara et al., Bioelectrochem Bioenergetics 26:469, 1991]: i _a vs E (i _a is anodic peak, E is cathodic accumulation potential), i _a vs , and i _a vs pH have been quantitatively explained.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(lactic acid) and glucosamine-formaldehyde/dodecylbenzenesulfonate composite films

The composite films of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) doped with glucosamine(Gluc)-formaldehyde(FA) polymer/sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) complexes at 1–5 wt% were synthesized to demonstrate striking improvement of their structural and mechanical properties. The polymer complexes were obtained by the hydrothermal polymerization of Gluc and FA at a molar ratio of 1:2 in the presence of SDBS. The atomic ratios of S in to N in (=S/N) in the polymer complexes limitedly range from 0.52 to 0.69, indicating that the complexation develops through the nonstoichiometric reaction between groups of (Gluc-FA) polymer and ones of SDBS and 31–48% of the groups remain unbound. The PLA composite film doped with 1 wt% (Gluc-FA)/SDBS showed the elongation-at-break of as large as 194% compared with 37% for PLA film, together with an appreciable increase of the crystallites size (D ₂₀₀) of PLA from 21.8 to 33.3 nm.     

On the charge storage mechanism at RuO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/0.5 M H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript> interface

Comparative study of capacitative properties of RuO₂/0.5 M H₂SO₄ and Ru/0.5 M H₂SO₄ interfaces has been performed with a view to find out the nature of electrochemical processes involved in the charge storage mechanism of ruthenium (IV) oxide. The methods of cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed for the investigation of electrochemical behavior and surface morphology of RuO₂ electrodes. It has been suggested that supercapacitor behavior of RuO₂ phase in the potential E range between 0.4 and 1.4 V vs reference hydrogen electrode (RHE) should be attributed to double-layer-type capacitance, related to non-faradaic highly reversible process of ionic pair formation and annihilation at RuO₂/electrolyte interface as described by following summary equation:

A Method of Computing the PI Index of Benzenoid Hydrocarbons Using Orthogonal Cuts

The Padmakar–Ivan (PI) index of a graph G is defined as PI , where for edge e=(u,v) are the number of edges of G lying closer to u than v, and is the number of edges of G lying closer to v than u and summation goes over all edges of G. The PI index is a Wiener–Szeged-like topological index developed very recently. In this paper, we describe a method of computing PI index of benzenoid hydrocarbons (H) using orthogonal cuts. The method requires the finding of number of edges in the orthogonal cuts in a benzenoid system (H) and the edge number of H – a task significantly simpler than the calculation of PI index directly from its definition. On the eve of 70th anniversary of both Prof. Padmakar V. Khadikar and his wife Mrs. Kusum Khadikar.